Summerfest to Feature Top Wakeboarders
to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO. – Several of the nation’s top wakeboard riders and thousands of wakeboarding fans are expected at Midwestcoast™ Summerfest IV, July 14-15 at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.
   
The biggest event of its kind in the Midwest, this extreme-sport gathering will feature competitors on wakeboards performing breathtaking maneuvers in the air while being pulled behind high-powered speedboats. Demonstrations, music, exhibits and food also will contribute to the fun at Summerfest, which will be held at Public Beach #1 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.  Hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
   
Admission will be free for spectators who can watch the action from boat, beach or lawn.  Donations will be accepted to benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Lake of the Ozarks.
  
 “Wakeboarding continues to be one of the fastest growing extreme sports,” says Jonas Farrell, Summerfest chairperson and vice president of the Midwestcoast™ Association.  “It’s amazing to see these wakeboarders traveling about 25 miles per hour, jumping 20 feet in the air and doing flips and backflips.”
   
The highlight of Summerfest will be some of the nation’s top riders competing in the by-invitation-only pro division, including last year’s Summerfest winner, Rusty Malinoski.  “He’s all over the wakeboarding magazines now,” Farrell says.  J. D. Webb, Kyle Rattray, Keith Lyman, Chad Sharpe, Ben Greenwood, Trevor Hansen, Keith Lidberg, Rob Jacques and other well-known riders also have been invited to compete.
   
As many as 75 amateur riders also will compete in beginners, intermediate, masters (age 30 and over) and outlaw (semi-pro) divisions.  Registration will be $35 prior to the day of the event, $50 the day of the event (excluding age 12 and under).  All competitors must be members of the World Wakeboarding Association; temporary memberships, which will include insurance, will be sold at the event, Farrell says.
   
Exhibitors will include title sponsor MasterCraft, the official boat of Summerfest.  Top wakeboard manufacturers also will offer demos and display their newest products. Ozark Outdoors will display its latest flatland and mountain bikes and skate gear. Imo’s Pizza and Pickled Pete’s will sell food and beverages.  Fun activities just for children also will be offered.
   
Live bands will perform both days.  Saturday night’s headliner will be Slang5, an Omaha band specializing in funk-rock grooves.  Local favorite Blue Monday also will perform.  Several area hotels and resorts will offer discounted Summerfest promotional rates, and camping is available at nearby campgrounds.  Shuttle buses will transport visitors between the event site and parking areas inside the park.
   
In addition to the title sponsor, MasterCraft, other Summerfest IV sponsors include the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau, Tri-County Lodging Association, Westport Yacht Club, Monster Energy Drink, Pickled Pete’s Sports Bar & Grill, Imo’s, Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks, Ozark Outdoors & Cyclery, World Wakeboarding Association (WWA), and Epic Wakeboards.
   
The four-year-old Midwestcoast™ Association is a group of business professionals age 21 to 45 affiliated with the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau.  The group, which meets monthly, helps support and promote the Lake of the Ozarks and provides networking opportunities.  Members also participate in the Spring and Fall Harbor Hops and have “adopted” five miles of Lake shoreline.
  
 “Summerfest is a great opportunity to watch some of the hottest wakeboard riders on the pro circuit as well as talented up-and-coming amateurs,” Farrell says.  “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the event, eat good food, hear good music, and enjoy great wakeboarding competition.  It’s going to be our biggest year yet.”
   
For information about the Midwestcoast™ Summerfest IV, including discount lodging, visit www.midwestcoastsummerfest.com.  And for complete information about Lake-area lodging, dining, shopping and attractions, call 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau’s web site at www.funlake.com.

# # #